LH Alternatives to Curado 200B?

[LAO162]

Recently I acquired my first BC reel, a Curado 200B. I already feel comfortable casting with it pitching is a different story. My only gripe is shifting hands :-?. Since the rest of my 2007 fishing budget should be spent on tackle, my options this year are fairly limited .

Should I consider selling the 200B and applying the proceeds towards LH alternatives like the Daiwa TDA153HSTL, Citica, or Revo S, or wait until next year to purchase a complementary reel like a new Curado or Revo STX.  I'm not sure how the "old" Curado compares to current model BC reels...

Ideally, I'd like to have only LH models in my BC fishing arsenal. I suspect as I eventually acquire additional LH BC reels, I'll let the RH model sit. I'd rather keep only gear that I plan to actively use.

Currently, virtually all the hardbaits I throw are in the 1/4 to 3/8 oz. range. I'm more likely to throw a 1/8 oz lure than one that weighs 1/2 oz. I have a couple new 6'6 MF spinning combos that fill most of my current needs. However, this year I only have an inexpensive BC rod to practice with. Next year I plan to step up to a worm/senko BC rod in the Avid/IMX range.

Suggestions on lateral BC reel moves or future upgrades would be appreciated. I'm trying to do my homework early so that I can act with confidence if I come across the right opportunity.

Thanks! Leon

[Raul]

Forget it dude, sell the old reliable mean green fishing machine and with what you get for it use it to get a LH Shimano Castaic, same size, same reliable gearing, super free system, drilled spool and Instagage System. You get:

1.- An all around reel for regular casting

2.- A flipping/pitching reel, no switching hands and no need to turn the handle to re-engage the spool, all you need is to lift the thumbar release with your thumb and the spool re-engages.

2 in 1 purpose reel.

[LAO162]

Thanks Raul, the Castaic wasn't even on my radar.  It looks pretty interesting.  I'll have to do some more research now.  Cheers!

[NBR]

LAO162, Having used a baitcaster since before spinning out fits were available in the US I am quite comfortable making the switch. I palm the reel in my left hand during the retrieve and often make the switch as or before the bait hits the water. I am very uncomfortable cranking a bait caster with my left hand. At the same time I crank spinning out fits with my left hand and am uncomfortable even thinking about cranking a spinning outfit right handed.

Having said all that drivel I really think palming the baitcaster in your left hand has advantages, you can place the rod handle along your arm for leverage, the reel is very manuverable when needed and your thumb is easily put on the spool if you need more pressure on the fish. While it may seem awkward to start it will work out.

I throw almost everything from 1/8 ounce up on bait casters for lighter lures I switch to spinnning gear with 4 to 6# line.

[LAO162]

NBR, thanks for the encouragement. I'm acutally OK with switching hands, but I grew up with spinning gear, reeling with my left hand. The other factor is that my right arm is quite a bit stronger than my left. Due to an old injury, I've been favoring my right arm for about 20 years. I just feel more comfortable holding the rod in my right hand - of course I rather switch than not fish at all ;D

I'm enjoying my Curado now, but I've been wondering if I would feel confident with the LH reel(s). Since I'm sure the BassResource community (aka bait monkey) will convince me to purchase many reels in the future, I'm beginning to work on my plan for future additions.

Leon

[RockvilleMDAngler]

I fish the same way, I grew up on spinning reels so now I use LH Baitcasters because I don't like holding the rod in my left hand.  Buy LH baitcasters and you will have the best of both worlds.  I reccomend the new Curado, it is a great reel for the $.

[LAO162]

Thanks

[TripDaddy]

I recently purchased a LH Johnny Morris Signature BC at BPS for the same reason.  I'm right handed and have become accustomed to reeling on the left with my spinning reels.  Also, I like my right hand to be on the rod at all times in case I get a quick hit when the lure hits the water!

I can't say enough about the reel.  It's my first baitcaster.  Great price...great reel!  Here's the link:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=90567&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

[Autiger1291]

I too went straight to left handed baitcasters after left handed spinning gear. It has been perfect. I have never considered switching. As far as reels go I have a Citica and a Scorpion. Both are great reels. The Citica is the new version of the old Curado B, I think. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. Also the Revo's are some sweet little reels. If you want to spend more money you can't go wrong with Daiwa or Shimano north of $200. If you want a good deal with a Shimano Citica pm me and I might be able to help you out.

Don't give up on pitching. It is a great thing to practice inside. Baitcasters are fun. ;D

Oh and about the Johnny Morris reels. They are not bad reels, but you can get more of a reel for the money.

[LAO162]

Thanks again for all the input.